Conspiracy Theories
The world’s most controversial events, and the complex beliefs behind them. From Bigfoot sightings to bitcoin takeovers, alien landings to assassinations, who’s shaping the narrative — and why? Conspiracy Theories is a Spotify Podcast. New episodes Wednesdays.
226
Olympics: Russian Doping Scandal
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov was accused of doctoring thousands of urine samples for Russian athletes.
38 min
227
Olympics: The Salt Lake City Buyout
When the 1984 Summer Olympics generated a massive profit for Los Angeles, cities around the world competed to host the next games.
45 min
228
Failed Conspiracies: Catiline Conspiracy
In the 1st century B.C.E., competition between Roman senators was stiff — even deadly.
41 min
229
Failed Conspiracies: Pazzi Conspiracy
In the 15th century, the Medicis were the most powerful banking family in Italy. Members of a rival banking family known as the Pazzi attempted to overthrow them but failed.
39 min
230
Failed Conspiracies: Gunpowder Plot
Remember, remember the 5th of November? You might remember it differently had Guy Fawkes and his team successfully blown up Parliament back in 1605.
42 min
231
Failed Conspiracies: July 20th Plot
In 1944, a group of Adolf Hitler's top-ranking officials devised a plot to kill the Nazi leader and end his reign for good. But things didn't exactly go as planned...
39 min
232
Grand Central Station Pt. 2
During World War II, hidden power stations below Grand Central Station may have been the target of a Nazi attack.
37 min
233
Grand Central Station Pt. 1
It’s an American icon, and an important piece of United States history. When Grand Central Station opened its doors in 1913, it stood as an opulent monument to ingenuity.
41 min
234
Benjamin Franklin Pt. 2
Among his many high-profile roles, Franklin still managed to keep some affairs out of the public eye.
39 min
235
Benjamin Franklin Pt. 1
He’s famous for being a Founding Father and a groundbreaking inventor. But behind his electric experiments, Benjamin Franklin kept dark secrets not taught in the history books.
36 min
236
Life on Mars Pt. 2
Twenty years after NASA landed the first rover on Mars, theorists believe there’s more to the Red Planet than reported.
39 min
237
Life on Mars Pt. 1
From the ancient Egyptians to 16th-century scientists to NASA today — fascination with the Red Planet spans thousands of years. But Mars holds endless mysteries. How close are we to finding them out?
42 min
238
Nostradamus: Seer or Schemer? Pt. 2
Centuries after his death, Nostradamus is still a household name, but his accuracy, methods, and reputation are all up for debate.
40 min
239
Nostradamus: Seer or Schemer? Pt. 1
The deaths of kings. The makings of popes. Famines of entire civilizations. Nostradamus became famous in the 16th century for his predictions of the future.
42 min
240
NBA Conspiracies: Michael Jordan’s Retirement
After the mysterious death of his father in 1993, Michael Jordan retired unexpectedly.
37 min
241
NBA Conspiracies: Frozen Envelope Draft
Was the 1985 NBA draft lottery rigged? Facing disillusioned fans and dwindling TV viewers, NBA commissioner David Stern changed how the draft was done.
31 min
242
Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Pt. 2
When do conspiracy theories stop being theories? Today’s episode visits real accounts of deadly misconduct committed at scale by governments and businesses.
34 min
243
Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Pt. 1
Reptile overlords. Pizzagate. QAnon. What makes conspiracy theories so alluring, and why are some more unshakeable than others?
45 min
244
Bigfoot Pt. 2
Even expert primatologists can’t agree on whether Bigfoot exists. Is it all a hoax, or is the creature more intelligent — or cosmic — than we give it credit for?
38 min
245
Bigfoot Pt. 1
It’s the most-glimpsed creature that doesn’t exist. A mysterious ape-man whose legends date back centuries. But while the stories shift and morph, some elements remain the same: The giant footprints.
38 min
246
Skull and Bones Pt. 2
They say a Bonesman is for life… Their secret bond might have led to the creation of another clandestine organization: the CIA.
43 min
247
Skull and Bones Pt. 1
Formed at Yale in 1832, a fraternal secret society counts media moguls, CIA operatives, even U.S. presidents in its roster.
37 min
248
Bitcoin Revolution Pt. 2
In April 2021, Bitcoin hit its all time high of over 60K per coin — and it's still growing.
43 min
249
Bitcoin Revolution Pt. 1
An enigmatic creator. A much-hyped cryptocurrency. Bitcoin might be paving the way for a financial revolution, but critics say the digital dollar is a perfect cloak for criminals and cybercrimes.
40 min
250
Radio Frequency Identification Pt. 2
RFID tags have become a paper-thin, barely detectable building block of our economy — but they aren’t without controversy.
36 min